The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damages to DNA and tissue, and can disrupt the blood-brain-barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is active in collaborating in discussions with EHS community, medical specialists as well as researchers. The agency will continue to review research on the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
DNA damage is caused by RF-EMF
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can cause DNA damage as well as negative health consequences. EMFs can disrupt the intracellular ionic levels, which are vital to maintain a cell's electrochemical balance. This can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting to DNA damage. Moreover exposure to EMFs can also trigger the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked to changes in male germ cells' development. This is due to the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell as functional maturation as the spermatozoa move through the epididymis. To investigate the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cell development A specially designed waveguide device was developed to expose unrestrained mice to RF EME in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers discovered exposure to RF-EME causes the oxidation of DNA in the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after an entire week of treatment and by 23% after five weeks. Furthermore, DNA damage in mitochondria was observed by measuring the level of a biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG).
However it isn't yet considered a carcinogen. However, several studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA integrity in a range of cell varieties. In one such study researchers were exposed Vero cells with an EMF of 100 Hz for 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for 48 hours after exposure to determine if the exposure affected the integrity of DNA.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
Although the effects of RF EMF are generally considered to be thermal, a few studies have revealed that non-thermal influences are also present. These factors could be responsible for certain of the unsolved findings in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting a systematic review.
Non-thermal effects from RF-EMF may occur at the cell membrane. This is a field which has already been thoroughly investigated. Particularly the electrochemical properties of cell membranes is being studied. The current understanding is that energy generated by RF-EMF greater than 1 MHz gets transferred into the tissues through dielectric and ionic dissipation. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy transfer to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are controlled in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions, and other molecules inside the body. This determines how absorbed RF EMR is by different tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more of the field and cause more of an effect. This is the reason the degree of heating in tissues does not increase steadily from outside to inside the body however, it is more prevalent in hot areas. is emf radiation harmful and fatty tissue are less susceptible to RF heating as compared to other tissues, since they are low in water content.
The intensity of penetration of the electromagnetic field is determined by the strength and frequency of the field. Muscle tissue absorbs more energy than other tissues, and transforms it into heat more efficiently. Usually emf radiation that RFEMF has is measured in millimeters (mm). But, the higher the frequency, the more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier changing sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. In addition, the effects of EMF affect brain function have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. For what is emf radiation , EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, as well as the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers at the Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure in brain cells. They also looked at how ELF EMF on the brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms that are involved aren't fully comprehended but there is a clear connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are proven methods for regenerating myelin in the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to frequencies of 900 MHz EMF increased the permeability of BBB and raised the signs of neuronal injury in rodents. They also observed an increase in the release of albumin to neurons. Furthermore, they discovered that after 30 minutes of exposure to 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its diffusion to the cerebral cortex. But this effect didn't occur with Evans blue injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF does not have a clear method for disrupting the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability. This could affect the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium-ion. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain has also been linked to increasing the permeability of the BBB.